Not even 24 hours after a season-ending 23-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Denver Broncos and Head Coach John Fox have mutually agreed to a divorce, putting Fox on the open market for the first time in four seasons.
“John Fox and I met for more than an hour on Monday afternoon to discuss the 2014 season and our goals for the future,” General Manager John Elway said in a statement. “During our open and candid conversation, it became clear that it was best for both the Denver Broncos and Coach Fox to move on and make this change.”
There’s a chance that the Broncos’ next head coach is already on their staff. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase is a hot commodity as a potential head coach for other teams and will likely have the inside track for the Broncos’ job. The team is also interested in interviewing Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Though there have been rumors of discontent between Fox and General Manager John Elway, the parting of ways still comes as a surprise as Fox has guided the Broncos to four straight AFC West titles and one trip to the Super Bowl last season. Two one-and-done playoff appearances out of the last three years likely contributed to Fox’s exit.
“On behalf of the Broncos, I sincerely thank John for his many contributions during his four seasons as head coach. He helped establish a positive, winning culture for this team and deserves a lot of credit for the Broncos’ turnaround,” Elway said. “While we have made significant progress under Coach Fox, there is still work to be done. I believe this change at the head coaching position will be in the best interest of our long-term goal, which from day one has been to win World Championships.”
Fox ends his tenure with the Broncos with a 49-22 record.
“It was an honor to coach the Denver Broncos, a first-class franchise with great fans and a winning tradition,” Fox said in a statement. “I am thankful to John (Elway), Mr. (Pat) Bowlen and Joe Ellis for allowing me and my family to be part of this team and community.”
